Automatic vacuum, pressure gravity water system



Oct. 6, 1931. H. aoees 1,825,772

AUTOMATIC VACUUM, PRESSURE GRAVITY WATER SYSTEM Filed Sept. l1 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR "ff/w 4. 50

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ATTORN EY Oct 6, 1931. I H. L. BOGGS 1,825,772

AUTOMATIC VACUUM, PRESSURHGRAVITY WATER SYSTEM Filed Sept. l1 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY Patented Oct. 6, 1931 nears!) stares PATENT OFFICE HUGH L. BOGGS, OF SAVANNAH, GEORGIA,'ASSIGNOR OF ONE-FOURTH TO FRANK PIOT'II .ANDONE-FOURTT'I TQ KARREY 11106135?! IAN, BOTH OF SAVANNAH, GEORGIA AUTOMATIC vacccia, PRESSURE GRAVITY W'ATER SYSTEM Application filed September 11, 1930. Serial No. 481,300.

My invention relates to steam pressure pumping systems, and it consists of the constructions, arrangements and combinations herein described and claimed.

It is a principal object of my invention to provide a pumping. system wherein steam is employed for elevating water from wells,

and employing the condensation of steam to perform functions of the pumping operation.

A still turtherobject of myinvention is the provision of automatic means for controlling the pumping action. I

Additional objects, advantages and features of the invention, will be apparent from the following description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein s Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view partly in section illustrating my invention,

Figure 1 is an enlarged detail of the control means employed therein,

Figure 2 is a similar view of a modified form thereof, i

Figure 3 is a sectional view of the automatic control employed in the construction illustrated in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is an enlarged detail of the trip associated with the vacuum chamber employed in Figure 2.

In carrying out my invention I provide a steam generator embodying a sourceof heat 11. The generator 10 includes any customary blow off valve 12, gauge glass 13 and drain cock 1 1. The generator 10 may be of any well known construction, and in fact, may be incorporated in any of the well known domestic heating plants.

A well 15, from which water is to be elevated, is shown within which there is disposed a vacuum pressuretank 16 havinga suction pipe 17 extended downwardly and submerged beneath the surface of the water in the well 15. This pipe includes a check valve 18. It will be noted that the suction pipe 17 extends closely adjacent the upper part of the tank 16. This is necessary so that the vacuum which will be created in the tank 16 will not have to support'the weight ofthe water already in the tank. I

A'steam pipe 19 is connected with the generatorlO as indicated at 20 and connected with the pressure tank 16 as at 21. The water lift line 22 has a check valve 22. The line 22 being connected to the vacuum pressure tank 16 as shown, and extends to a storage tank 23. A vent 23 allows the escape of steam as will be apparent.

Suitably mounted upon the upper side of the generator 10, there is provided a pair of pistons 24 and 25 slidable in cylinders 26 and 27 respectively. These pistons and cylinders are disposed on opposite sides of the steam line 19 as shown in Figure 1. If desired, these pistons may be guided by yokes 3A", which prevent rotation of the pistons during reciprocatory movement.

In the steam line 19, I provide a cut off valve 28, which is operable through an arc of 45. The valve 28-includes a lever 29 having branched extensions 30 and 31 disposed upon opposite sides of the valve, for a purpose now to be described. A manually operated steam valve 28 is also provided in the steam line 19 for manipulation when it is desired to completely close down the system. The piston 24 has a rod 32 extended upwardly through the cylinder 26 and is provided with a trip lever 33 of a length tobe encountered by the extension 30 in its up ward movement, and has a stop 33 which bears against the rod 32 in the upward move ment of the piston 24 so as to trip the valve 28. A- helical spring 3 1 is'employed for holding the piston 24 in its normally raised position. I

The piston 25 issimilarly constructed and embodies a rod 35and trip 36. The trip 36 is disposed in the path of the extension 31 and is 'pivotally mounted upon the rod 35. A stop lug 36 is rigid with the trip 36 and extends upwardly closely adjacent the rod 35. A helical spring 37 is connected between the lug 36 and the rod 35, permitting the trip 36 to pass the extension 31 in the upward movement of the piston. In the downward movementof the piston 25 the lug 36 will encounter the trip lever 36 so as to move the valve 28 to closed position. The rod 3.5 includes a tension spring 37 tending to hold the piston 25 in its lowermost position. The

tension of the spring 37 may be varied to suit conditions which may arise, by manipulation of the screw 38.

The storage tank 23 has a service pipe 39 whereby water may be conducted to various points of use. This ipe is tapped as at 1-0 and connection made liy pipe 41 with the cylinder 27 at its upper part. At the lower part of the cylinder 27 a steam line connects with the steam line 19, at a point above the valve 28.

An injector pipe 42 is connected to the pipe 41 as shown, adapted to discharge water into the generator 10. By this means the su )ply of water in the generator is automatically maintained through reciprocation of the piston 25. Preferably a check valve 42 is interposed in the line 4-2 to prevent passage of steam into the upper part of the cylinder 27.

A check valve 43 is interposed in the line 41, immediately to the rear of the injector pipe 452, the function of which will be readily apparent.

If desired, a branch pipe 44 may be incorporated in the line 41 controlled through a two-way valve 45. In the event that the water supply has become greatly reduced, the valve 45 may be operated to establish communication through the pipe 41 to the generator 10.

A. vacuum line 46 connects to the steam line 19. the line entering the vacuum cylinder 26 at its lower end, as at 47.

In the operation of the device, suflicient Steam having been produced in the generator 10, as indicated by the gauge 47, the automatic valve 28 is manually opened, permitting steam to pass through the pipe 19, to the pressure tank 16. Steam pressure upon the water in the tank 16 will force such water upward through the pipe 22 to the elevated tank 23. The pressure required to lift this water produces a back pressure in the pipe 19, and as the cylinder 27 is directly connected to the pipe 19 by the pipe 20*, a pressure is exerted on the bottom of the piston 25, cans ing it to rise, and forcing a small column of water above it, which is discharged through the injector pipe 42 into the generator 10, to replace that which was removed during generation of the steam. At the time that the pisten is moved upwardly the spring 37 is compressed and the trip 36 caused to trip past and come above the extension 31. As long as there is water in the tank 16, or line 22, the piston 25 remains in this position. The steam then has access to the air through the vent 23". As soon as the steam pressure falls, the spring 37 will force the piston 25 downwardly, causing the trip 36 to close the vznlve28 by its contact with the arm 31.

A} this point in the operation, the tank 16 is full of steam. The tank 16 is a sealed vessol or cylinder, being sealed in the line 19 by the closing of the valve 28, line 22 by the closing of the check valve 22, and sealed at the inlet point 17 by water in the tank 16. Condensation of the steam so trapped produces a Vacuum throughout the several pipe lines and tanks mentioned, thereby causing a suction on the pipe 46, which is connected to the cylinder 26, which in turn draws down piston 24. The downward movement of the piston 2-1 compresses the spring 3% and causes the trip 33 to trip over and assume a position below the arm 30, which is now in a down or closed position. The piston 24 remains in this position until the vacuum has been displaced by water flowing through the suction pipe 17, at which time the spring 34 raises the piston 24, causing trip 33 to lift arm and open the valve 28. The opening of the valve 28 al lows the accumulated steam in the generator 10 to flow to the tank 16 and force water to tank 23 through line ln Figures 2 and 3, I have illustrated a modified form of regulating means and in this instance, a thermostatic control for the same system is employed. This control consists of a thermostat of the coiled-tube type, as at 55, having one end anchored to its case 54. A plunger 55 is fastened to the outer end and bears against the underside of the fulcrum 57. The other end of the fulcrum 57 is connected to an arm 53 by a flexible cable or chain 58, the arm 53 being the operating arm of the valve 28.

The vacuum cylinder 50 is the equivalent to the cylinder 26 disclosed in Figure 1, and is shown mounted in the line 22, although it will be understood that the cylinder may be incorporated in the line 19 if desired.

Slidable within the cylinder 50 there a piston 50 having an operating rod upon which there is mounted a helical spring 51 suitably retained by an adjusting screw 51. A trip 52 is pivoted upon the piston rod for engagement with the lever 53, as will appear hereinafter.

The operation is as follows :Steam is admitted to the tank 16 by opening a steam valve 19 in the line 19, allowing steam to flow from the boiler 10 through the automatic cut ofl' valve 28 to the tank 16, which causes water to be driven through the pipe 22 to the tank 23. The thern'iostat 55 is in a contracted state as long as there is water in the line 22, but as soon as the water has been displaced and steam comes in contact with the coiled thermostat 55, it expands and causes the plunger 56 to bear against the fulcrum 57, thereby causing the flexible link 58 to close the valve 28.

Condensation of the steam takes place, as described with reference to Figure 1, producing a vacuum in the line 22, thus drawing the piston 50 inwardly and compressing the spring 51. The trip 52 trips past the arm 53 which is now in a closed position as pulled by the fulcrum 57 The piston 50 remains in this position until vacuum in the tank 16 and spring 51 pulls the piston 50 outwardly, causing the trip 52 to engage with the arm 53 to open thevalve 28 This cycle of operation is repeated continuously. I

s It will be readily seen that the operation otthe device is divided into two cycles, the first cycle being a pressure cycle, which occurs when the water in the tank 16 is forced out by steam pressure, and subsequently leaving the system full of steam. The second cycle is what 1 term thevacuum cycle and is eiiected when the steam condensed through natural causes creates a vacuum which sucks the Water from the well, through the pipe 17 as long as there is sufi'icient vacuum to draw the water.

The spring 34 associated with the vacuum cylinder piston rod may be adjusted to a tension to properly open the steam valve 28.

The spring on the pressure piston will vary in tension according to the lift or elevation of the water. That is to say, if the steam pressure required to lift the column of water thirty feet was six pounds, the spring 87 would be slightly less than this, or adjusted to expand at a pressure a little less than six pounds.

The tank 16 is preferably constructed of small diameter but of considerable length. This is to prevent too rapid condensation of steam during the expelling period. Also this construction provides a smaller surface contact with or between the steam and the cold water.

If the tank 16 should be empty, as would be the case during initial installation, it will be necessary to charge the system with steam and then close the valve 28 by hand, as water is necessary to create a back pressure in order to raise the pressure piston 25.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that an entirely automatic pumping system is provided, and one which may be readily installed and operated at very low cost.

I claim 1. Means for elevating water comprising in combination, a steam generator, a storage tank, a pressure tank having a suction pipe disposed within the water to be elevated, a pipe for transferring steam from said generator to said pressure tank for creating a pressure in said suction pipe, means connecting said pressure and storage tanks whereby water elevated through said suction pipe will be conducted to said storage tank, a valve in said pipe between said generator and said pressure tank, and automatic means to close said valve upon the establishment of a vacuum in said system, and to open said valve upon decrease of steam pressure in said generator and said pressure tank.

* 2. In a system for elevating water, a steam generator, a vacuum pressure tankandwater storage tank arranged to provide a closed circuit, a suction pipe associated with said vacuum pressure tank and extending into the Water to be elevated, a cut-oft valve between said generator and said pressure tank, a

vacuum cylinder connected in said circuit and operatively associated withsaid valve, a pressurecylinder connected in said circuit, valve operating means associated with saidcylin der, means for creating a vacuum in said pressure tank and said vacuum cylinder to open said valve, and means associated with said pressure cylinder for closing said valve upon decreaseot steam pressure in said generatm V 3. Means for raising water from wells, comprising in combination a steam generator, a well, a pressure tank having a fluid therein, a suction pipe connected therewith and extended into the water of said well, a storage tank, means for connecting said pressure tank and said, storage tank, a steam pipe connecting said generator with said pressure tank,

a valve in said steampipe, a piston operable to open said valve in-onev path of its movement, and a second piston operable to close the valve upon movement in the reverse direction. i

4. Means for raising water from wells, comprisingin combination, a steam generator, a well, a pressure tank having a body of water therein, a valved suction pipe connected therewith and extended into the water of said well, a storage tank, a pipe connecting said pressure tank and said storage tank having a check valve therein, asteam pipe connecting said generator with said pressure tank, a valve in said steam pipe, said valve having a lever presenting oppositely disposed extensions, a vacuum cylinder mounted upon one side of said valve, a plston slidable therein, a trip upon said piston for engagement with one of said extensions, a pressure ing the piston of said pressure cylinder to opensaid valve.

5. Means for raising water from' wells,

comprising in combination, a steam generator, a well, a. pressure tank having a body of water therein, a valved suction pipe connected therewith and extended into the water of said well, a storage tank, a pipe connecting said pressure tank and said storage tank havsite side of said valve, pistons slidable in respective cylinders, valve operating means be tween said valve and said vacuum and pressure pistons, a. vacuum line connecting said vacuum cylinder with said steam line, a pressure line between said storage tank and said pressure cylinder, and an iI1]CCt0l in communication with said pressure line, pressure cylinder and generator for injecting water into said generator upon upward movement of the piston in said pressure cylinder.

6. Means for raising water from wells, comprising in combination, a steam generator, a well, a pressure tank having a body of water therein, a valved suction pipe connected therewith and extended into the water of said well, a storage tank. a pipe connecting said pressure tank and said storage tank having a check valve therein, a steam pipe connesting said generator with said pressure tank, a valve in said steam pipe, said valve having a lever presenting oppositely disposed extensions, a vacuum cylinder mounted upon one side of said valve, a piston slidable tiaenein, a spring normally holding said piston in raised position, a trip upon said piston adapted for engagement with one of said extensions, a pressure cylinder upon the opposite side of said valve, a piston slidable therein, a spring normally holding said piston in liowerimist position, a trip upon said piston adapted for engagement with one of said extension. means for creating a vacuum in said vacuum cylinder to move the piston to close the valve, and pressure means for moving the piston of said pressure cylinder to open said valve.

7. Means for elevating water comprising in combination, a high pressure steam boiler, a storage tank, a pressure tank having a suction ipe disposed within the water to be eleva a pipe for transferring steam from said generator to said pressure tank for creating a pressure in said suction pipe, means conneeti said pressum and storage tanks where y water elevated through said suction pipe will be conducted to said storage tank, a cut-off valve in said pipe between said generator and said pressure tank, a vacuum chamber in said means between said storage tank and said pressure tank for holding said valve in open position, and a thermostat in said means for closing said valve after a predetermined time.

8. Means for elevating water comprising in combination, a high pressure steam boiler, a storage tank, a pressure tank having a suction 'pe disposed within the water to be elevated, a pipe for transferring steam from said generator to said pressure tank for creating a pressure in said suction pipe, means -mnned:ing'said pressure and store e tanks crater and said pressure, said valve having an operating lever, a vacuum chamber in said means between said storage tank and said pressure tank, a piston slidable in said cylinder and having a rod disposed adjacent the lover of said valve, a trip mounted upon said rod to engage said lever in one path of its movement, means for creating a vacuum in said cylinder to operate said piston, spring means to return said' piston and open said valve, a thermostat in said means between said storage tank and said pressure tank, and link means between one end of said thermostat and valve operating lever, whereby expansion of said thermostat will close said valve.

HUGH L. BOGGS. 

